Lucette
Lucette is a combined oral contraceptive pill designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies effectively. It contains two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and drospirenone, which are synthetic versions of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, respectively.
Key facts
- Classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK
- Treatment category: Womens
- Price (if prescribed): from £26.21
- Typical supply: 84 days
- Availability: Available following an online consultation
- Prescriber review: every order is assessed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist
Lucette prices by dose and pack size
| Strength | Pack size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 0.03mg/ 3mg | 3×21 pack | £26.21 |
| 0.03mg/ 3mg | 6 × 21 pack | £33.71 |
Lucette: A Reliable Combined Contraceptive Pill
What is Lucette?
Lucette is a combined oral contraceptive pill designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies effectively. It contains two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and drospirenone, which are synthetic versions of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, respectively.
Besides contraception, Lucette offers additional benefits such as regulating menstrual cycles, reducing painful periods, and managing premenstrual symptoms.
Benefits of Lucette
- Reliable contraception: Provides effective protection when taken as prescribed.
- Regulates periods: Helps make periods lighter, less painful, and more predictable.
- Manages hormonal conditions: Can reduce symptoms of endometriosis and acne.
- Convenient dosing: Taken daily with or without food.
- Improves menstrual symptoms: Reduces discomfort associated with premenstrual tension.
How Does Lucette Work?
Lucette prevents pregnancy by mimicking natural hormones and altering the menstrual cycle:
- Stops ovulation: Prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.
- Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it harder for sperm to reach the womb.
- Thins the womb lining: Reduces the likelihood of implantation.
By consistently providing synthetic hormones, Lucette ensures that these three mechanisms work together to prevent pregnancy.
How to Take Lucette?
Dosage Instructions
- Take one pill daily for 21 days.
- Follow with a seven-day break during which you may experience a withdrawal bleed.
- Start the next pack on the eighth day, even if bleeding persists.
Missed Pills
- Less than 24 hours late: Take the missed pill immediately and continue as usual.
- More than 24 hours late: Take the most recent missed pill immediately, continue the pack as normal, and use barrier contraception for seven days.
If multiple pills are missed, refer to the patient leaflet for detailed guidance or consult your healthcare professional.
Vomiting or Diarrhoea
- Vomiting within two hours of taking Lucette may reduce its effectiveness. Take another pill as soon as possible.
- For prolonged vomiting or severe diarrhoea, treat each day as a missed pill and use additional contraception.
Dosages Available
Lucette is available in a single dosage strength containing:
- 0.03mg Ethinylestradiol (oestrogen)
- 3mg Drospirenone (progesterone)
This dosage is designed to balance efficacy with minimal side effects.
Potential Side Effects of Lucette
While most women tolerate Lucette well, some may experience side effects:
Common Side Effects (1 in 10 women)
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea
- Vaginal discharge
- Menstrual spotting
Uncommon Side Effects (1 in 100 women)
- Acne
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Mood changes
- Weight fluctuations
Rare Side Effects (1 in 1,000 women)
- Allergic reactions
- Blood clots in veins or arteries
- Changes in hearing
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects, such as signs of blood clots or an allergic reaction.
Precautions and Interactions
Inform your healthcare professional about any current medications or health conditions before starting Lucette.
Avoid Lucette If You:
- Have a history of blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have severe liver disease or tumours.
- Suffer from unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Are allergic to any of its ingredients, including soya oil.
Drug Interactions
Lucette may interact with:
- Epilepsy medications
- Tuberculosis treatments (e.g., rifampicin)
- HIV treatments (e.g., ritonavir)
- Herbal remedies like St John’s Wort
These interactions may reduce its effectiveness. Use barrier contraception as needed.
How to Buy Lucette Online
Lucette can be purchased online from Medihealth Direct through a simple and confidential consultation process. Once approved by a licensed healthcare professional, your order will be delivered discreetly with free next-day delivery.
Lucette FAQs
How effective is Lucette?
When taken correctly, Lucette is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Can Lucette help with acne?
Yes, Lucette is known to reduce hormonal acne in some women.
Does Lucette cause weight gain?
Weight changes are possible but not common. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.
Can I skip my period with Lucette?
Yes, you can skip the seven-day break and start a new pack immediately to avoid a withdrawal bleed.
Does Lucette protect against STIs?
No, Lucette does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms for STI prevention.
How does the online consultation for Lucette work?
- Complete a confidential online health questionnaire.
- A GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your answers and confirms whether the treatment is clinically appropriate.
- If approved, your medication is dispensed by the pharmacy and delivered in discreet packaging by tracked UK delivery.
See how the service works or browse all treatments.